First Scholars Program at The University of Alabama

The First Scholars Program is available to 24 first-time freshmen who are first-generation college students (parents have no more than two years of education beyond high school and no post-secondary degree) who will be enrolled at The University of Alabama full-time during the 2013-2014 academic year.  

The recipients will participate in a comprehensive support program including academic, social, personal development, and financial awards of $5,000 each, half disbursed in the fall semester and half disbursed in the spring semester.  This award is renewable, if program requirements are met.  This scholarship requires the recipients to live on campus for the 2013-2014 academic year and outside of the family home the following three academic years in order to renew the scholarship.

Selection Criteria:

• Student must be a first-time freshman who has applied and been admitted to The University of Alabama for the 2013-2014 academic year.
• Complete the Student Strengths Inventory (instructions will be given once the application has been received).
• Demonstrate financial need and complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) by March 1, 2013.
• Be a U.S. citizen or qualified non-citizen as defined by federal law.
• Be eligible for in-state tuition.
• Submit scholarship application and all materials by February 1, 2013.

Students selected to be a First Scholar must:

• Agree to attend a First Scholars Orientation.
• Agree to live in the First Scholars Living Learning Community in Burke Hall their freshman year.
• Agree to enroll in designated BCE 101 course for First Scholar Scholarship recipients during the fall 2013 semester.
• Participate in service projects and agreed upon campus activities/workshops.
• Agree to attend designated meetings with First Scholars Program Coordinator.
• Participate in mentoring program.
• Maintain a 2.5 GPA.
• Transition to leadership roles as upperclassmen.

How to apply:

Fill out the application form and submit it with the required materials no later than February 1, 2013!

For questions, visit their website at www.firstscholars.ua.edu or contact Jessica Franks, First Scholars Coordinator, at 205-348-6559 or via email at franks@aalan.ua.edu.